Malignant hyperthermia is a rare metabolic disorder of the skeletal muscles that is usually triggered by certain anesthetic drugs. The genetic predisposition occurs frequently (estimates range from 1:1556 to 1:3000), but clinical incidents are rarer (approx. 1:10,000 - 1:250,000.) Therefore, an inconspicuous anesthesia does not rule out the predisposition: the patient could still be at risk. The course of an MH crisis is characterized by a massively increased metabolism, muscle stiffness, cardiac arrhythmia and high body temperature. If left untreated, MH leads to death in around 80% of cases.

• How can the diagnosis be confirmed?

• After an incident of malignant hyperthermia: What are the next steps?

• What anesthetic procedures and safety precautions should be used in cases of known malignant hyperthermia?

• Which neuromuscular diseases are also associated with the risk of malignant hyperthermia?

We help patients and colleagues with questions about malignant hyperthermia.

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